Mississippi (1935) in Color — Starring Bing Crosby & W.C. Fields

Mississippi (1935) — Buy This Classic in Color

Step aboard a glamorous riverboat for a musical comedy that sparkles with wit and romance. Released in 1935, Mississippi blends the smooth crooning of Bing Crosby with the irascible charm of W.C. Fields, all under the deft direction of A. Edward Sutherland. The story follows a pacifist singer who finds himself caught between love, honor, and a duel on the river. With a supporting cast that includes Joan Bennett and Queenie Smith, this film is a delightful slice of Depression-era escapism. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

Tom Grayson (Bing Crosby) is a young man with a gentle soul and a beautiful singing voice, traveling through the antebellum South. Engaged to the vivacious but shallow Elvira (Gail Patrick), Tom is thrust into a world of strict social codes when her father, a hot-tempered Southern colonel, takes offense at a perceived slight. The colonel challenges Tom to a duel, forcing the pacifist singer to make an impossible choice between his principles and his reputation.

Rather than fight, Tom flees, earning the scorn of Elvira and her family. He boards the riverboat Sallie Mae, where he meets the gruff, hard-drinking Captain Commodore Jackson (W.C. Fields). The Commodore, a blustering con man with a heart of gold, takes a liking to the young singer. Tom finds work on the boat, performing for passengers and slowly building a new life away from the rigid expectations of the Southern gentry.

On board, Tom meets Lucy (Joan Bennett), the captain’s spirited and independent daughter. Unlike Elvira, Lucy is down-to-earth and sees past Tom’s initial cowardice. She challenges him to stand up for himself, while also offering a warmth and understanding he has never known. Their relationship blossoms against the backdrop of the river, with Tom’s songs becoming the soundtrack to their growing affection.

The peace is shattered when the Sallie Mae docks near the plantation of a rival riverboat captain, a man who holds a bitter grudge against Commodore Jackson. A feud erupts, and Tom is once again drawn into a conflict he wants no part of. When the rival captain insults Lucy, Tom must finally confront his own fears. He realizes that running away has only led him to a life of quiet compromise, and that some things are worth fighting for.

In a climactic showdown, Tom faces his rival in a duel, but not in the way anyone expects. Using his wits and his voice, he disarms the situation, proving that true courage comes in many forms. The film races toward its conclusion as Tom reconciles with his past and chooses a future with Lucy. Will he finally find the peace and love he has been searching for, or will the ghosts of his past continue to haunt him?

Cast & Crew

Director: A. Edward Sutherland
Stars: Bing Crosby, W.C. Fields, Joan Bennett, Queenie Smith, Gail Patrick

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This colorized version of Mississippi breathes new life into a film that has been seen in black and white for generations. The colorization process reveals the rich, vibrant hues of the period-accurate costumes, from the elegant gowns of the Southern belles to the crisp, white riverboat uniforms. The sets, which once seemed like simple backdrops, now glow with the warmth of the Mississippi sun, and the river itself takes on a majestic, golden quality. This restoration also highlights the subtle details in the actors’ performances—the twinkle in Bing Crosby’s eye, the ruddy complexion of W.C. Fields, and the delicate expressions of Joan Bennett are all enhanced by the added depth of color. It is a truly beautiful way to experience this classic, and the film has been carefully colourised to preserve the original mood and atmosphere. Buy your copy today for €15.00 and enjoy the instant DRM-free MP4 download.

Historical Significance

Mississippi arrived in 1935 at the height of Bing Crosby’s early film career, solidifying his status as a box-office draw. It was one of several films that paired him with the legendary comedian W.C. Fields, a collaboration that proved to be a winning formula for Paramount Pictures. The film is a prime example of the “backstage” and “riverboat” musicals that were popular during the era, offering audiences a blend of song, comedy, and romance that provided a welcome escape from the hardships of the Great Depression.

Director A. Edward Sutherland was a seasoned hand at comedy, having worked with Fields and other top stars of the era. His direction keeps the film’s tone light and breezy, allowing the two leads to shine. The film also showcases the transition of musicals from the early “backstage” format to more integrated storylines, where songs like “Soon” and “Down by the River” are woven into the narrative. While not as widely remembered as some of Crosby’s other hits, Mississippi remains a charming and historically significant piece of 1930s cinema.

Today, Mississippi is a valuable time capsule, offering a glimpse into the social attitudes and entertainment styles of its time. Its themes of honor, pacifism, and personal growth are timeless, and the chemistry between Crosby and Fields is still a delight to watch. By bringing this film to new audiences in color, we ensure that this piece of cinematic history continues to be enjoyed for years to come.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 73 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Was this film originally released in color?
A: No. Mississippi was originally shot and released in black and white in 1935. This page offers a later, professional colorized restoration of the film, which was not a studio color release from the era.

Q: Does Bing Crosby sing in this movie?
A: Yes, Bing Crosby performs several songs in the film, including the popular standards “Soon” and “Down by the River.” His musical numbers are a central part of the film’s charm.

Q: Is this a musical or a comedy?
A: It is a musical comedy. The film blends romantic musical numbers with the slapstick and witty humor of W.C. Fields, creating a unique mix of genres that was popular in the 1930s.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.
Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.
Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

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• Your Witness (1950)
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